Sunday, August 13, 2017

Tian Chua warns of violence being used to derail elections

PKR vice-president says political parties and people should be able to handle their differences in a civil manner in view of GE14.

PETALING JAYA: PKR vice-president Tian Chua hopes the country will not take the route of violence as the nation gears up for the general election which must be called within the next 10 months.

Commenting on the violence and ensuing chaos at the Nothing to Hide 2.0 forum in Shah Alam today, Tian Chua said it was “shocking and worrying” and must be condemned by all quarters of the political spectrum.

“Malaysia cannot take the road towards hooliganism.

“Police must act firmly against the agent provocateurs,” he told FMT.

At the forum which took place at the Dewan Raja Muda Musa in the Selangor capital, projectiles with pungent chemical odour were hurled towards former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while he was addressing the audience.

Tian Chua, who is Batu MP, said it is not part of Malaysian culture to use violence, regardless of whatever the political differences.

He also called for all political parties and their supporters to handle their differences in a civil manner as “differences in politics can turn into violence”.

“It is the right of the people to defend whoever they want but those who disagree should not take the path of violence,” he said adding that the country provides everyone the right to criticise leaders and to have a public gathering to express their opinions.

“Now it looks like some people cannot tolerate this. They resort to violence and intimidate others.”

He also hoped the incident will not be used as an excuse to derail the general election.

“The derailment could mean not to have elections or create political tension within the community,” he said. - FMT